Balance and dizziness

Balance and dizziness disorders are very common. It is vastly becoming one of the most common disorders affecting Americans.

Balance disorders are directly associated with the wear and tear on the weight-bearing joints. It is interesting that many patients will have just one sided degenerative changes. Why is that? Balance problems result in the overfiring of the nervous system and joint receptors. This overfiring on one side of the body is a direct result of the body trying to maintain an upright posture.

Dizziness or vertigo is differentiated by whether the person feels like they are spinning (Subjective vertigo) versus whether the room is spinning around them (objective vertigo). Other descriptions of symptoms include lightheadedness, imbalance or disequilibrium while standing, or "feeling drunk."

Generally speaking, dizziness that lasts for less than a minute with each episode is considered to be benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Dizziness lasting several minutes can result from migraines, transient ischemic attacks, vascular problems and the vestibular system. Dizziness which lasts several hours with a gradual decline of symptoms can be associated with Meniere's diseases, labrynthitis and inflammation of the nerve.

Symptoms include: visual disturbances, light sensitivity, headache, decreased memory, ear fullness, nausea, vomiting and loss of coordination. Dizziness can also be caused by stroke, tumor and hypertension. These are generally checked out by your medical doctor. Dizziness is treated with Meclazine/Antivert and even depression or anxiety medications. Most dizziness, after it has been diagnosed and they are not sure what it is coming from, should be evaluated by your Chiropractor.

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The two main causes of balance/dizziness disorders are problems with the semicircular canals found in the eardrum and the part of the brain called the cerebellum which controls balance and coordinated movements. If one side of the cerebellum is overfiring and the other side is underfiring then symptoms such as dizziness and balance problems will show up.

Blood pressure, anemia and medications should be ruled out as a possible source of dizziness. Dizziness is a huge side effect of many medications. Low or high blood pressure can also cause dizziness symptoms. Blood pressure should be taken on the left and right side, and in the supine and then the standing postures. A drop of the blood pressure from supine (lying) to standing of 10 to 20mmhg definitely can cause dizziness symptoms. Anemia should always be ruled out and screened for when dizziness is an issue.

Balance is very important to our overall health. If you suffer from balance and dizziness type symptoms get a check up with your doctor soon. If you're told there is no reasonable explanation for your symptoms then see if brain based treatment is appropriate for your condition.